Book Review: The Last Place You Look by Nikki Smith

Posted on by Libby Price

I have to say I’ve had mixed thoughts about Nikki Smith books historically – but decided to give her new one (out in Summer 2026) a go. Here’s the blurb:

“Leo thought he knew his wife. Until she disappeared.
When Addison Kennedy fails to return from their safari lodge, her husband flies out to South Africa to find her.
But when he arrives, he discovers a missing poster – and it isn’t Addison’s face staring back at him. It’s his. His name. His details. His photograph.
His wife might be missing but it’s him they’re hunting . . .”

Each chapter of the book is told from Leo or Addison’s point of view. They appear to be the ‘perfect couple’ living in a gorgeous house in a gated community in the UK, whilst also owning a luxury safari lodge in Leo’s native South Africa. The descriptions of both are wonderful.

The book starts with Addison not returning from a trip to the lodge – but then twists and turns with flashbacks as well as real time commentary.

I enjoyed the various settings of the book – and the South African heat is described brilliantly! Having been lucky enough to do a similar trip (although with different outcomes, thankfully!) it really brought the area to life.

You know with a Nikki Smith novel there are going to be coincidences / plot twists – and this is no exception. Whilst I was expecting them – they weren’t what I predicted at all – and I really enjoyed it (although you do have to suspend belief a bit)

Overall this was an enjoyable read which I would recommend. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my advanced review copy.

Book Review: The Book Club For Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

Posted on by Libby Price

I am very lucky that I get given loads of books to read for free – but my sister messaged to say she thought I’d enjoy this book – so without even reading the blurb I ordered it! But if you need to read the blurb first – here it is:

“By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman’s dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia–one of Northern Virginia’s most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman’s Place–a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn’t that feel like enough?
Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia’s newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte’s orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women–Bitsy and Viv–to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they’d been sold isn’t all roses and sunshine–and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments–and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year–as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood.“

Straight away I got ‘Lessons In Chemistry‘ vibes from this book – which I also thoroughly enjoyed – but it kind of set the scene for the historical setting in my brain. Margaret and her neighbours are all very different women in very different times – but you will definitely see similarities between your own friends and the book club ladies. They really were incredibly different times for women!

Some historical facts are woven through the story (the assassination of JFK being one of them, which I suspect for the generation older than me is a life event you remember where you were when you heard the news – for me similar events are 9/11 and when Princess Diana died) but a lot of the book is the day to day lives of the women in Concordia.

My sister was correct – I did really enjoy it – and I can see it would make a good ‘bookclub’ book – as there is a lot to discuss and think about.

Book Review: All Grown Up by Daisy Buchanan

Posted on by Libby Price

A few years ago I read a previous book by Daisy Buchanan called Insatiable which I thoroughly enjoyed, and when Net Galley had a new book by the same author, I was pleased to be granted an advance review copy (it’s out in June 2026 but can be pre ordered now).

Here’s the blurb:

“After thirty long years, Louisa’s daughters can finally look after themselves … or so she thinks.
Because suddenly, they’re back – apparently for good. Meg’s second-guessing her marriage. Jo’s career hangs in the balance. Amy has inexplicably quit university. None of them empty the dishwasher.
Louisa knows it’s time for some life lessons. She adores her girls, but if she’s ever going to get her (sex) life back, they’ll have to grow up – and go.
But maybe they’re not the only ones with lessons to learn… And Louisa might just discover that her daughters have something to teach her about being an adult too.“

I have to say I didn’t look closely at the cover of the book – so it was when I started reading it that I realised the names were familiar – and then when it became evident that the sister called Beth had died (not a spoiler, I promise!), I thought it must be connected to the famous Louise May Alcott book Little Women. Seemingly it’s a reimagining in modern day Manchester – but I’m not familiar enough with the classic book’s storylines to know just how close it is, but I suspect big fans of the OG Little Women will find even more Easter Eggs within in than I did.

Louisa is almost my age – it’s her 49th birthday at the start of the book – and so that made it easy to empathise with her in many ways. Also one of her daughters has a baby during the book – and my first Grandson was born as I was reading it – so that was a lovely thing to experience at the same time, and share the emotions of. And children not emptying the dishwasher unless they are asked to is top of my pet peeves according to my husband!

I really enjoyed the book and getting to know all of the March family and their friends and neighbours. It was a lovely read told from their different points of view. Sometimes the girls in particular were frustrating – but at the end of the day, they are all there for each other – just like in real life.

I did keep expecting there to be some graphic sex scenes (based purely on the previous book by the same author that I’d read, and that wasn’t the reason I’d requested the ARC, honestly!) and whilst there was a little bit, it felt much tamer – but completely appropriate to the storyline.

I thoroughly enjoyed it – and would recommend you pre order it ready for June. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my ARC.

Book Review: The Truth About You and Me by Emma Cooper

Posted on by Libby Price

Having very much enjoyed previous books by Emma Cooper, I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy of her new book The Truth About You & Me. I actually read it before the publication date in November 2025 – but have been slow in reviewing it, sorry, but that does mean you can buy it instantly (and I recommend you do!)

Here’s the blurb:

“When two strangers find themselves locked in a cinema overnight, it could be the start of a perfect meet cute… but as Maggie is about to discover, real life is so much more complicated than fiction…
Every Friday, Maggie attends the last showing at her local indie cinema. Then one night, bookseller Jack goes to the same screening. These two strangers are about to fall in love – there’s just one complication: Jack knows nothing about Maggie. Maggie knows everything about Jack.
Over a series of Fridays, Maggie and Jack get to know each other, but the closer they grow, the bigger the secrets that could tear them in two. Because Maggie has a unique gift: with just the lightest touch, she knows exactly what someone is thinking. That’s how she knows how Jack’s picture-perfect life has fallen apart. And that she isn’t the total stranger he thinks she is.
Will she risk everything to tell him the truth – or is true love something that only happens in the movies?”

I really enjoyed this book. The ‘different’ side of it – with Maggie being able to know what people are thinking just by touching them – is woven into the story in clever ways. I’m not a huge ‘supernatural’ fan – but this felt really real and not far fetched.

I also really liked both Maggie and Jack as people. I’m not saying you have to like the protagonists to enjoy a book – in fact sometimes I thoroughly enjoy disliking someone – but in this case, I loved them both – and the surrounding cast of characters of their friends and family.

The book twists and turns and the storyline makes you want to carry on reading to see where everyone will end up.

I thoroughly enjoyed this rom-com of a book (meant in a good way – just like the rom-com films that Maggie and Jack discuss) and would thoroughly recommend it as a feel good read. It made me laugh and cry – which is always the sign of a good book.

A big thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books (I didn’t realise that Emma Cooper is now one of their authors, as I have a friend who is one of the publishing Directors there, but that has not coloured my judgement, as I loved this book anyway!)

Book Review: Private Lives by Emily Edwards

Posted on by Libby Price

I thoroughly enjoyed Emily Edwards’s previous book The Herd – so when I saw she had a new book out I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy. It actually came out in June 2025 (I’m just behind in my reading and subsequent reviewing) but at least that means if you like the sound of it you can order it immediately! Here’s the blurb:

“I thought I was inviting a friend over for a cup of tea. I had no idea I was opening the door to my worst nightmare.
The moment my husband saw her, it started. The look on his face. The silence that followed, before she hurriedly left. Signs that told me more than words ever could.
Then came the whispers. The whole town watching. Judging.
But it’s not what you think it is. It’s worse.
Because it’s not just my family with everything to lose here. And it’s only a matter of time before one of us does something we’ll regret. . . the question is, who’s going to get hurt first?
Some secrets end a marriage. Some ruin a reputation. Some bring a whole town crashing down.“

This book is EXCELLENT! Like The Herd it’s set in a comfortable middle class area – and all of the judgement that comes with that. The blurb doesn’t give much away – and I think you need to read it blind so the twists and turns come to you throughout. (This is not just an excuse for me not to write a detailed review, no, absolutely not at all!!!)

The lives of the families who are ‘friends’ and are intertwined with the local community are central to the story – and the characters are a real mix – some are likeable, some aren’t – but some change during the book. It’s so easy to see how it could unfold in real life – and I suspect most people can identify a friend or acquaintance who could take each role.

I’ve seen other reviews say this would be great for a book club to dissect – and I can completely agree with that – there’s a lot to discuss.

I would definitely recommend this as a real page turner to everyone. A huge thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my ARC.

Book Review: They Had It Coming by Nikki Smith

Posted on by Libby Price

I’ve enjoyed previous books by Nikki Smith – set in exotic locations around the world – and when I saw her new novel was out and set in Bali, I requested and was granted an advance review copy (although it was out back in July 2025, so you can order it now if you like the sound of it). Here’s the blurb:

“Escape to Bali in this gripping new sunlounger thriller, for fans of Lucy Clarke and Ruth Ware.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer . . .
Nate and Layla, Jude and Sophie. They’ve been a four for as long as they can remember: fancy dinners, dancing ’til dawn . . . Even living and working together.
So when Nate and Layla suddenly quit their lives and move to Bali, with its white sands and exotic beach clubs, Jude and Sophie are their first visitors. Anything to escape their life in London.
But as the two couples reunite, cracks begin to show.
Which is hardly surprising; they’ve been lying to each other for years.
And now, it’s time for revenge.”

I have to say it took me a weirdly long time to get into the book – I kept forgetting which of the characters were couples, and which two had moved to Bali and which two still lived in London. I know that sounds odd – and I’m sure is completely my issue – but everyone seemed interchangeable – it was bizarre!

I didn’t particularly like any of the characters either – so all in all, I’m not really selling this well to you?!?

It was clearly evident that each of the characters was keeping secrets from the others – both their other halves and their friends – or should that be frenemies?!

The descriptions of Bali – and the touristy / non touristy bits was interesting (and made me crave some sunshine!)

The storyline was interesting and you wanted to see how it developed – but then there was this huge change towards the end and a part of the story was so different to the rest it was as if two books had been spliced together with seemingly no initial connection. All in all – a bit weird.

Whether this just got me at the wrong time – but it just wasn’t the book for me – sorry!

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for my ARC.

Book Review: A Cornish Legacy by Fern Britton

Posted on by Libby Price

Having enjoyed books by Fern Britton before, I realised I hadn’t read one of hers for ages – so I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy of A Cornish Legacy. However I was a bit slack with my TBR pile – so I’ve ended up reading it post publication (but at least that means you can purchase it immediately if you like the sound of it!) Here’s the blurb:

“Escape to Cornwall this summer with the new emotional and uplifting novel from Sunday Times #1 bestselling author Fern Britton.
Set by the wild Atlantic coast of Cornwall comes a story about finding home in the most unlikely places.
When Cordelia Jago learns she’s been left the crumbling manor house Wilder Hoo, perched high on the Cornish coast, she wonders if it’s one last cruel joke from beyond the grave.
Having already lost her marriage, her best friend and her career, she’s at rock-bottom. Now she’s inherited a house she hates, full of unhappy memories.
But as she fights with its echoing rooms and whispering shadows, the house begins to exert a pull on her. The wild Cornish landscape, the stark beauty of seagrass and yellow gorse against the deep blue sea, begin to awaken a connection she thought she’d buried forever.
Could she turn around this monstrous wreck of a house – and, along the way, let go of the secrets of the past and heal her heart too?“

Not only was I slack with reading this, I’ve then been even more slack in writing a review! The blurb gives you all of the background, and as you’d expect from a Fern Britton novel – it really evokes Cornwall, and is comforting like a big hug. I thoroughly enjoyed it and being transported to Wilder Hoo.

The dual timeline of the current experience of Delia inheriting the house – but then the back story of how she got there – are both well explored. The supporting cast of friends and family are well written and interesting.

A really lovely, escapist, simple read – perfect for my pre bed reading.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC. If you like the sound of it you can buy it right now!

Book Review: Am I Having Fun Now? by Suzi Ruffell

Posted on by Libby Price

A couple of years ago a friend recommended the podcast ‘Like Minded Friends’ with Tom Allen and Suzi Ruffell – saying it was a really lovely calming podcast, listening to two friends chat away. I started listening – and have been a fan ever since. The podcast started way back in October 2015 (before the whole world and his – or her – wife had a podcast) and whilst Tom and Suzi are both gay, and lots of listeners are members of the LGBTQ+ community – it is also for allies, which I would consider myself to be.

Suzi had mentioned on the pod about the book she was writing – and way back before it’s release I requested an advance review copy from Net Galley. I didn’t hear anything back – and was busy reading other books – so didn’t really worry, but then randomly, a couple of months after publication, I was sent a copy.

Here is the blurb:

“Does peaking in high school ruin you for life?
Was Miley Cyrus right, is it all about the climb (when it comes to building a career?)
And what – scientifically – is the best way to mend a broken heart?
Comedian Suzi Ruffell is considering life’s big questions.In this brutally honest, funny, and often moving memoir, Suzi winningly tells her life story, and asks a host of experts to answer the tricky questions it prompts along the way. Diamond life advice comes from the likes of Elizabeth Day, Dolly Alderton, Charlene Douglas, Laura Bates, Dr Kirren Schnack, and more.From masking anxiety with musical theatre and struggling to find her groove at school, on stage, and in her love life, to (eventually) coming out, falling in love, and becoming a parent, Suzi lays her life bare with trademark wit, verve and style. Am I Having Fun Now? is riveting, relatable and revealing. Studded with brilliant, cutting observations on feminism, being working class in the world of arts and comedy, LGBTQ+ equality and the up- and downsides of ambition, it’s perfect reading for fans of books by Fern Brady, Sarah Pascoe, Elizabeth Day and Tom Allen.”

I feel like I ‘know’ Suzi – listening to her chat to Tom every week – and so really enjoyed hearing more of her story – although I did feel familiar with lots of the other protagonists – Anne Ruffell, Alice etc #clang

Whilst the book tells Suzi’s life story to date – it does it by looking at big important life questions, it’s not a chronological autobiography (although does roughly follow Suzi’s life timeline). At the end of each chapter Suzi talks to a specific ‘expert’ about the topic covered – this gave it it a bit more ‘weight’ and thought than some celebrity memoirs.

As you would expect from a book written by a stand up comedian – some of it is really funny – but it is also thought provoking and interesting too.

A big thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my review copy – albeit not advanced!

Book Review: Still Falling For You by Holly Miller

Posted on by Libby Price

Having enjoyed previous books by Holly Miller (although not for a few years, so I think I may have missed some of her back catalogue) I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy of her new book – out in February 2026. Here is the blurb:

“THEY SAY TRUE LOVE LASTS FOREVER. BUT WHAT IF IT REALLY COULD?
Josh is 18. Rachel is 18.
From the first night they meet as freshers, Rachel and Josh know they are meant to be. An electric connection quickly blossoms into plans to spend the rest of their lives together.
Josh is 29. Rachel is 29.
Inexplicably, none of the men in Josh’s family has lived past the age of thirty. As the fateful birthday approaches, Josh is wracked with fears: of his own death, and of leaving Rachel alone in this world.
So when a genius scientist offers him a radical new treatment – which might just save Josh’s future with Rachel – how can he possibly say no?
Josh is 29. Rachel is 31.
Rachel wanted nothing more than to grow old with her soulmate, surrounded by the family they longed for. Now, faced with the impossibility of that dream, she has a heartbreaking choice to make. Does the pursuit of happiness mean more to her than true love?”

OOh- this is good – and with an interesting premise that I really liked, and was beautifully explored and well written – but I don’t feel I can say too much without there being spoilers – and we all know I loathe a book review with spoilers in it!!

Rachel and Josh are just a few years older than me (at the start of the book anyway!) and so their reference points at Uni and getting married are similar to mine. The timeline starts in the late 80s – and goes through present day into the near future. Whilst a lot of the book looks at the relationship between Josh and Rachel – wider family and friends and those relationships are also explored – and how such relationships evolve over time.

You have to have an element of suspending disbelief over the ‘radical new treatment’ referred to in the blurb – but it does prompt lots of things to think about.

The book is thought provoking and emotional and makes you consider your own mortality and ageing. Overall I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC. You can pre order Still Falling For You now ready for it’s release early next year.

Book Review: The Impossible Fortune (The Thursday Murder Club Book 5) by Richard Osman

Posted on by Libby Price

I have declared before that I love Richard Osman – and the fan girling has only got worse. A family member has changed jobs and now works with Mr Osman and I am beyond jealous. I think even the aforementioned family member was quite concerned that Richard could be my specialist subject on Mastermind! Obviously when the next book in the Thursday Murder Club series was to be released, it was a no brainer that I’d need to read it immediately – I’d said as such when reviewing book 4! Here’s the blurb:

“Who’s got time to think about murder when there’s a wedding to plan?
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who fears for their life, the thrill of the chase is ignited once again. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into their most explosive investigation yet, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?”

It was lovely to be back with the gang! As always the story is told by different points of view – with Joyce’s chapters remaining my favourites. And different members of the supporting cast had bigger and smaller parts this time around. For example, Joyce’s daughter Joanna (who is played by Richard’s wife Ingrid Oliver in the film adaption of the first book, which came out on Netflix in August!) had a more central role – whereas their police friends had more minor roles (Chris was far too busy learning how to handle his weapons!) – but everyone was still in and around the storyline.

This time there were codes and puzzles to crack – as well as murder(s) to solve – and each of the gang brought their own skills to the team.

As ever it is funny, clever, heart warming – and all of the things you’d expect from a Richard Osman book.

My absolute favourite ‘Easter Egg’ was when Ron is discussing his favourite James Bond – who he says is Pierce Brosnan. Now, as Mr Brosnan plays Ron in the film – it will be interesting to see how that is dealt with in film 5 (as surely there will be films of each books, there just has to be – even if the first one had some deviations from the original plot).

Another master piece from Richard Osman, which I am sure will take over the best seller lists yet again (even if it is released on the same day as the new Dan Brown (not on my TBR list) and Elizabeth Day books!)